Who Has a 395 Credit Score?

• Generation Z (ages 18-26): 680
• Millennials (ages 27-42): 690
• Generation X (ages 43-58): 709
• Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): 745
• The Silent Generation (ages 78+): 760

This upward trend is common, as older consumers have had more time to build a longer credit history, a key factor in credit scoring models. According to Experian data from 2023, the Silent Generation is the only group whose average score falls into the “very good” category.

Credit Cards With a 395 Credit Score

A credit score of 395 is considered very poor, placing you in the lowest range of credit scores. This significantly impacts your ability to get approved for most traditional credit cards, as lenders view this score as a high risk for defaulting on payments. Consequently, your options will likely be restricted to specialized products like secured credit cards or unsecured cards specifically designed for individuals with bad credit, which often come with higher fees and interest rates.

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Kudos can help you find suitable options through its Explore Tool, which personalizes recommendations from a database of nearly 3,000 cards based on your preferences. Additionally, its Dream Wallet feature analyzes your spending and provides insights into how a new card might impact your credit score, helping you make a financially sound decision.

Auto Loans and a 395 Credit Score

A 395 credit score places you in the deep subprime category, which can make securing an auto loan challenging. According to a 2025 analysis, lenders view this score as high-risk, meaning you will likely face some of the highest interest rates available.

• Super-prime (781-850): 5.25% for new cars, 7.13% for used cars
• Prime (661-780): 6.87% for new cars, 9.36% for used cars
• Non-prime (601-660): 9.83% for new cars, 13.92% for used cars
• Subprime (501-600): 13.18% for new cars, 18.86% for used cars
• Deep subprime (300-500): 15.77% for new cars, 21.55% for used cars

Mortgages at a 395 Credit Score

Unfortunately, a 395 credit score makes qualifying for a traditional mortgage nearly impossible. Most lenders have minimum score requirements that are much higher. For instance, government-backed FHA loans, often the most accessible option for those with poor credit, require a minimum score of 500. According to 2025 mortgage requirements, conventional loans typically start at a 620 score, making traditional financing routes unavailable with a score of 395.

In the rare case a specialty or subprime lender considers an application this low, the impact on the loan would be significant. A low score signals high risk, leading to much higher interest rates and fees. Lenders would also likely limit the amount you can borrow and require a larger down payment. Your application would undergo strict manual underwriting, where every aspect of your financial history is scrutinized far beyond just the credit score.

What's in a Credit Score?

Figuring out what goes into your credit score can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle, but it generally boils down to a handful of key elements. The most common factors include:

• Your payment history, which tracks whether you pay your bills on time, is the most significant factor.
• Credit utilization, or the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit, also plays a major role.
• The length of your credit history demonstrates your experience with managing credit over time.
• Having a healthy mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards and installment loans, can positively impact your score.
• Finally, recent credit inquiries, which occur when you apply for new credit, are also taken into account.

How to Improve Your 395 Credit Score

A 395 credit score falls into the 'very poor' range, but it's not a life sentence. With consistent effort and the right strategies, you can rebuild your credit history using several proven methods.

• Apply for a secured credit card. This type of card requires a cash deposit as collateral, making it easier to get approved with a very poor score. By making on-time payments, you demonstrate responsible credit use to the major bureaus, which is essential for building a positive payment history from the ground up.
• Consider a credit-builder loan. These small loans are designed specifically to help establish or rebuild credit, as your timely payments are reported to credit bureaus. This adds positive payment history to your file and helps diversify your credit mix, which accounts for 10% of your score.
• Become an authorized user. If you have a trusted friend or family member with a good credit history, being added to their account can help your score. Their positive payment history and low credit utilization can be added to your credit file, giving it a much-needed boost.
• Monitor your credit reports regularly. You can get free reports and check them for errors or signs of identity theft that could be dragging your score down. Disputing inaccuracies is a direct way to remove negative items and ensure your report is a true reflection of your creditworthiness.

Kudos can help you effortlessly manage your cards and monitor your score as you work to improve it.